Uzbekistan Plans to More Than Double Fish Output to 500,000 Tons

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan Eyes Fivefold Aquaculture Potential as Mirziyoyev Backs Industry Overhaul

Uzbekistan is targeting more than 500,000 tons of fish production next year — more than double its current output — after President Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved a sweeping modernization plan for the country's aquaculture sector, including technology upgrades, new financing instruments, and a digital oversight platform.

The country produced 206,000 tons of fish in 2025, maintaining its position as Central Asia's leading producer. However, specialists presented at the briefing estimate that full utilization of existing potential could increase output fivefold — a ceiling the new strategy is designed to approach through a phased shift away from traditional lake-based fish farming toward intensive, water-efficient production systems.

The immediate bottleneck is technology. Intensive methods currently account for less than 20 percent of total production. To accelerate the transition, the government is proposing partial reimbursement of costs for installing recirculating water systems, subsidies on imported broodstock, support for solar panel installation at fish farms, and interest-rate compensation on preferential loans in both local and foreign currency.

A transparent leasing mechanism will be introduced for 329 natural water bodies and reservoirs, together with 163,000 hectares of adjacent land, ensuring entrepreneurs have reliable access to production sites. Guaranteed water supply arrangements for intensive farms and broodstock facilities are also planned.

Breeding and research received dedicated attention. Priority species include carp, catfish, trout, and sturgeon, alongside efforts to adapt new species to local climatic conditions. Trout and sturgeon farming capacity will be established in foothill zones from next year, and an experimental facility for the national fisheries research institute is planned on the Akhangaran river. Foreign grant funding is being sought to develop a domestic carp breed.

A joint aquaculture and fisheries faculty is under consideration at the Agrarian University, to be created in partnership with Astrakhan State University and Dalian Ocean University — signaling an intent to build domestic expertise through international academic cooperation.

On digitalization, authorities plan a unified electronic platform integrating data on water resource use, land allocation, illegal fishing activity, tax payments, and production volumes. Expanded use of artificial intelligence for productivity gains and cost reduction is also envisaged.

Mirziyoyev approved the proposals at the close of the presentation and instructed officials to advance the sector's development on the basis of modern technology, scientific methodology, and effective governance — with an explicit mandate to maintain favorable conditions for entrepreneurs and ensure affordable, quality fish products for the population.